#1. Proving people wrong because of gender.

Since starting our company (nearly 3 years ago) I haven’t just done the office work, or my favorite, gardening & teaching sustainable living. I set out to learn about whatever tasks were on the agenda. So often I am underestimated by men until they see me on a roof, lifting railroad ties, or using some sort of power tool.

But just the other day a woman mentioned that she fully expected a male to help her and didn’t think I would be able to assist her like a man could. After moving her wrought-iron furniture, couches, and firewood from her home to her crawl space and to her second home, I asked her what she would need male assistance with so I could schedule accordingly. She responded she wouldn’t need any male assistance as I had completed the tasks- unexpected for the female gender I suppose . I winked at her in return hoping I gave her a little fire and a little belief that she too as a woman can do more than she currently believes to be possible ~ even if that does not consist of laborious tasks. Being raised by a single, badass, independent mother has infinitely inspired me. We are all born with the strength of a human.